Will it fit? Your guide to buying furniture that fits your home
There’s nothing quite as exciting as finding the perfect sofa, dining table or wardrobe. But before you picture it in your living room, there’s one important question to ask:
Will it actually fit?
It might sound obvious, but every furniture retailer has had that awkward conversation when a delivery won’t quite make it through the front door or around a tight corner. The good news is that a few simple measurements before you buy can save a lot of disappointment later.
Start with the room
Before thinking about doorways and hallways, measure the space where your new furniture will live.
Think about how you’ll use the room every day.
Ask yourself:
- Will there be enough room to walk around it comfortably?
- Will doors, cupboards or drawers still open fully?
- Does it leave enough space for other furniture?
- Will a recliner have enough room to fully extend?
It can also help to mark the furniture’s footprint on the floor with masking tape. This gives you a much better idea of how much space it will take up.
Don’t forget the journey
Once you’ve found furniture you love, it’s time to think about how it’s going to get there.
The delivery route is just as important as the room itself.
Measure:
- Your front door.
- Internal doorways.
- Hallways and corridors.
- Staircases.
- Landings.
- Tight corners or turns.
Remember, it’s usually the narrowest point that matters most.
Radiators, banisters, light fittings and low ceilings can all make a difference too.
Sofas can be tricky
Sofas and riser recliners are often the biggest challenge during delivery.
Although the measurements may suggest they’ll fit, getting them through a narrow hallway and around a corner isn’t always straightforward.
The good news is that many sofas can have their feet removed before delivery, making them slightly easier to manoeuvre. However, doors, door frames and other parts of your property should be prepared by the homeowner if additional access is needed.
If you’re ever unsure, bring your measurements into the store and we’ll happily compare them with the dimensions of the furniture you’re interested in.
Remember to measure height too
Most people think about width, but height is often forgotten.
Check:
- Door heights.
- Staircase ceilings.
- The height under light fittings.
- Low beams in older properties.
If you’re buying a tall wardrobe or display cabinet, make sure there’s enough room to stand it upright during installation.
Recliners need room to work
Riser recliners and reclining sofas don’t just need space to fit into your room—they also need space to move.
When fully reclined, the chair needs clearance behind it and in front of it.
If you’re planning a new riser recliner, we’ll happily explain the space each model requires so there are no surprises when it arrives.
A few minutes measuring can save a lot of stress
Taking ten minutes with a tape measure before you buy can prevent delays, delivery problems and unnecessary disappointment.
If you’re visiting Ashgate Furniture Co., our team can talk you through the dimensions of any furniture you’re considering and help you understand the space it will need. While we don’t offer a home measuring service, we’re always happy to answer questions and explain the measurements you’ll need to check before placing your order.
Come and see for yourself
Whether you’re looking for a new sofa, a riser recliner, a dining set or a beautiful solid wood sideboard, we’d love to welcome you into our Chesterfield showroom.
You can compare styles, try the comfort of our chairs, and discuss your room with our friendly team. Bring a few measurements with you and we’ll help you choose furniture that’s right for your home—and that has the best chance of getting there without any unexpected surprises.
